Counterbalance Forklift Training
According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, anybody who uses a counterbalanced forklift must have training. Training for these types of industrial machinery includes both classroom training and hands-on driver training. Refresher training is required occasionally to keep operator skills up to date. OSHA does not specify a minimum time requirement for either the hands-on or classroom training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
A counterbalanced forklift balances its cargo with a counterbalance built into the truck. The tines move up and down parallel to the truck's body. The blades do not pivot. Operators who drive counterbalanced lift trucks must have training about the specific forklifts they would be utilizing and in the same workplace surroundings.
Classroom Training
The forklift driver would be taught the basics of the model of forklift they would be utilizing in classroom training. They would learn info regarding the lift trucks specific things such as load, height and weight capacity. The driver will be taught the basics of fueling or charging the lift truck, which depends on whether the engine is gas-powered or battery-powered. Safety procedures regarding the particular forklift, like how to safely walk around the lift truck, will be included.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driver training would make sure that the lift truck operator knows how to operate the counterbalanced lift truck. This practical training course will happen in the same kind of setting in which the operator would be working. The driver will train on the same type of terrain with the same kinds of nearby buildings and other structures, as well as the same vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Refresher Training
Although OSHA requires periodic refresher training for counterbalanced lift truck drivers, there are no specifications determining the frequency of refresher training or its contents. However, for regular operators, refresher training must consist of classroom-style training.